“Hey, guys,” Bram greeted casually. “Just enjoying some quality time with my girl.” He draped an arm around Tabitha’s shoulders, tugging her closer.
Kade arched a brow. “Your girl, huh? Since when?”
“Since I laid eyes on her.” Bram pressed a kiss to her temple, making her insides flutter. “What can I say? When a shifter finds his mate, it’s game over.”
Celeste cooed, clutching her heart. “Oh, that’s so romantic. I’m so happy for you two.”
Tabitha blushed, ducking her head. “Thanks, Celeste. It’s all happened so fast but in a good way.” She leaned into Bram’s solid warmth, savoring his pine and leather scent.
Celeste gave her a wink. “I know all about how fast these shifters work.”
Kade still looked skeptical, crossing his burly arms. “You sure about this, man? You’ve never been the type to move fast.”
Bram just shrugged. “When it’s right, it’s right. I’ve never been more sure of anything.” His eyes were steady and sincere when they met hers, making her breath catch. Damn, he was good at this.
“All right then. Congrats, you two.” Kade’s face softened into a smile. “Tabitha, welcome to the clan. If this lug gives you any trouble, you just let me know.” He winked.
She grinned. “I think I can handle him but thanks.”
They chatted for a few more minutes before Kade and Celeste stepped away to check on other customers. As soon as they were out of earshot, Tabitha exhaled gustily.
“Whew. I think we sold it.” She took a bracing gulp of her latte.
Bram squeezed her shoulder. “Damn right, we did. They totally bought the mate line. Nice touch leaning into me, by the way.”
“Just playing my part.” She aimed for breezy even as her stupid heart raced. “So what’s our next move, lover boy?”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I’m thinking we make our biggest debut as a couple at the Harvest Festival. Really seal the deal, you know?”
“Good idea.” She mentally rifled through her scant wardrobe. “Guess I need to find a dress that screams ‘I’m in love,’ huh?”
“Nah, you’ll look gorgeous in anything.” Bram’s gaze was warm and appreciative as it swept over her, igniting a blush. “But you know, we should probably meet up again before that. A lot. Really sell the whole whirlwind romance thing.”
“So another fake date?” Her pulse kicked up a notch, but she kept her tone light. “If you insist. Maybe a hike? You can give me the lay of the land.”
His eyes crinkled with a smile. “It’s a date. A fake one, but still.”
Tabitha laughed, shaking her head. What was she getting herself into? Fake dating Bram was either going to be the best or worst decision of her life. But with her inheritance and powers on the line, she couldn’t back out now.
She just had to keep reminding herself that none of this was real, no matter how convincing Bram’s act. Her stupid heart couldn’t seem to distinguish fact from fiction when he looked at her like that, all soft and admiring.
As they hashed out the details of their upcoming “dates,” Tabitha tried to ignore the butterflies rioting in her stomach every time Bram’s knee bumped hers under the table.
Friends. They were just new friends doing each other a mutually beneficial favor. No real feelings involved. She could totally handle this.
Even if his crooked grin made her weak in the knees and his voice sent shivers down her spine. She was an adult witch on a mission, not some infatuated schoolgirl.
She could resist Bram Hartley’s considerable charms. No problem. Right?
Tabitha sighed internally, wrapping her hands tighter around her mug. Who was she kidding? She was in way over her head.
But there was no going back now. The show must go on. She just hoped her heart survived the encore.
FIVE
Tabitha took a deep breath of crisp autumn air as she climbed the winding trail, her boots crunching satisfyingly over fallen leaves. Bram walked beside her, his long strides easily matching her pace.
“It’s so beautiful out here,” she mused, taking in the vibrant oranges and reds of the forest canopy. “Like something on a postcard.”
